That's a question that's been floating around for a couple of weeks, but with no definite timeframe. The organization is really pulling for DeMichele in W/S, as he was a higher draft choice. But he really scuffled with the bat in April and has been barely passable in May.

It's an interesting choice for the development staff at this point. You have two guys approximately the same age playing at different levels. One is a third rounder, plays good defense but has struggled at the plate. The other is a ninth rounder, has hit the ball well, but struggles in the field.

Personally I would not consider a promotion at this time. DeMichele is starting to swing the bat better and Johnson's numbers are probably a bit inflated playing in low A. I don't see how you could play these kids together either. Neither is really suited to play another position in the infield and neither is an outfielder by trade.

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March 16, 2005 - Another happy Sox fan joins the party!
July 6, 2012 - 7 years later he's still part of it...

That's a question that's been floating around for a couple of weeks, but with no definite timeframe. The organization is really pulling for DeMichele in W/S, as he was a higher draft choice. But he really scuffled with the bat in April and has been barely passable in May.

It's an interesting choice for the development staff at this point. You have two guys approximately the same age playing at different levels. One is a third rounder, plays good defense but has struggled at the plate. The other is a ninth rounder, has hit the ball well, but struggles in the field.

Personally I would not consider a promotion at this time. DeMichele is starting to swing the bat better and Johnson's numbers are probably a bit inflated playing in low A. I don't see how you could play these kids together either. Neither is really suited to play another position in the infield and neither is an outfielder by trade.

I believe Micah Johnson played some outfield at Indiana. In fact, there was speculation that he'd have to go to cf because his hands are not good.

That said, I am not on the Micah Johnson bandwagon yet. Seems his tools lag behind his production. Guys like that generally fall offby Double A.

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Witness to the agony ('76 Sox season tix) and the ecstasy (2005 World Champions!)

I never saw him play in the outfield, I only remember him at second and on occasion third.

My mistake. Played outfield in high school. Anyway, before last year's draft, people were saying he'd have to go to cf. Nothing he has done so far indicates that he will stay in the infield. Obviously, a lot less value if he has to move.

He's done nothing but impress in the minors so far. ETA could be the beginning of next year at this rate, with a promotion to AAA likely by the end of the year.

Trayce Thompson quietly hitting .273/.415/.394 over his last 10 games. His K rate has slowly declined over the last couple of years, and that trend is continuing this year with a major uptick in walks. He's only 22 and in his first year of AA.

Yep. Erik Johnson has been fantastic. Easily the bright spot of the farm this year. Looks like a solid middle of the rotation type to me. Maybe has the potential to be a bit more. My inkling is he will be in the rotation next year replacing some pitching depth that will inevitably be dealt.

That true and rather emblamatic of the entire system. Kids with no idea what they are trying to do, overmatched and apparently no one on the coaching staff is able to help them figure it out.

When (I no longer think if) the Sox blow it up and start over it's imperative that they spend whatever it takes to beg, borrow or steal the best scouts and instructors from other organizations. Pay them whatever it takes to get them. No more half assing things.

That true and rather emblamatic of the entire system. Kids with no idea what they are trying to do, overmatched and apparently no one on the coaching staff is able to help them figure it out.

When (I no longer think if) the Sox blow it up and start over it's imperative that they spend whatever it takes to beg, borrow or steal the best scouts and instructors from other organizations. Pay them whatever it takes to get them. No more half assing things.

Lip

Agreed fully. Though I'm willing to be a bit more patient with Hawkins. I personally would have rather seen him in Kanny.